SO, in yet another cup it has come to crunch time for the Redmen.
We’ve been here before, and we’ll be here again but I think that now the time has come for us to stop looking back and reminiscing about what has been in the past and start looking forward.
After the away game in Russia last week Liverpool weren’t looking in such a healthy position with a 2 goal margin to overturn at Anfield.
It was perhaps not surprising that many fans and, maybe even less surprising, that many pundits began pulling up memories of European come-backs. The one that stands out, of course, is the 3-1 victory over Olympiakos in 2004 that kick-started Liverpool’s ailing season and was, I believe, the catalyst for a remarkable Euro run which ended with Liverpool as European Champions.
I really can’t blame any fans for wanting to think back fondly to those days and recall what was, in the hopes that some small reminder of that wonderful night might give the lads the boost they need going into Thursday’s home leg.
However, as we’ve found in the past, the weight of history can be too much for some players and history doesn’t weigh any heavier than the Red shirt of Liverpool FC.
Throughout the 90s, many Liverpool players wilted under the pressure of the shirt and the very recent successes that the club had enjoyed.
On in to the 2000s and while we came close on several occasions, we just couldn’t seem to sustain that success, when it appeared to just be around the corner. For whatever reasons, we just couldn’t seem to kick-on after 2nd, 3rd and 4th placed league finishes.
Then the great achievements in the Europa (then the UEFA Cup) and Champions League were never really built upon and opportunities were missed but, as I said, there were many extenuating circumstances which shouldn’t really be a problem under the current owners. That’s a discussion for another day.
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What is the issue at the moment is that we’re struggling again and, once again, we’re all looking back on our vast history of successes and games when we pulled it back from the brink to both reassure ourselves and, maybe more so, because it’s the only way to really cheer ourselves up.
So, while I’m not the current manager’s biggest fan, I believe that we’re not helping matters by putting more pressure on the players to pull off another Olympiakos or AC Milan as we did in yesteryear. I’m saying this now, despite having been guilty of it myself in the past (and probably again in the future) but I think it’s necessary if we’re going to pull off another great turnaround.
Sure, we all want that and we all want us to stuff Zenit on Thursday but I believe we need to go into the game without the past clouding our minds and just give all of our support to the players to ensure they can go into the game with clear minds and the full backing of Anfield on a European night.
With 40-odd thousand home fans singing and shouting we can intimidate the Russian side with something they have never experienced before: Anfield on a European night, when the odds are stacked against us. If they can be put on the back foot from the first whistle, we may just stand a chance of putting out one of the strongest sides in the Europa, and send out a message that this Liverpool team really do mean business.
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There is no hope for a dramatic come back in Zenit match. Just hope a graceful exit for LFC.
with one of the worlds best players in suarez – there is always a chance
despite rodgers being inept , i actually think we might do it … but not if he plays allen
Allen plays – we are OUT
Rodgers is a fool
Nice positive comments as usual but good article. I’m behind the team whether they go through or not as long as they try their hardest. If he decides to play Allen and it doesn’t bear fruit then though I can’t understand the decision I believe he’s got far far far more experience and know how than me. And if its the wrong decision then that happens sometimes. I will support the team and the manager until maybe his 3rd season in and many TRUE supporters are under the impression we are not progressing. Until then I will support them and we will win some and we will loose some. COME ON LIVERPOOL. A lot of fans seem to forget the meaning of YNWA.
your just an idiot sheep that believes all the bull Rodgers tells , does what he told , and sits there quietly while the club is in hard times .
You are NOT a true fan . You are the worst kind of fan , the fan who will sit on his backside rather than getting up and trying to effect change when change is needed . Docile fans like you make me sick
‘some we win , some we lose ‘ – that is a LOSERs attitude . What would Shanks have said to that ?
You are NOT the type of fan this club needs . Get out of your armchair and stop spouting apathy .
ps. You are Tim Williams . Yes ?
Less of the abusive comments directed towards fellow fans and writers please, or all of your future comments will be removed. If you have a point, make it without insult.
And what exactly are you doing???…being a keyboard warrior and ranting because you are disatisfied in other aspects of your life. You are an unrealistic, dreamer, fantasist. This is not the days of Shanks or Paisley. It hasn’t been for years, you are delusional. If you keeps sacking your manger every year or 2 the team will never progress. If we had the money like City or Chelsea then it is possible but doubtful…2 teams that you should be supporting by the sounds of it….Please give us some all advice on how to join the uprising and revolution your leading and how we can contribute to it….oh yeah, I thought so, youre doing nothing!!! At least make some suggestions about what could be done apart from ‘sack Rogers!’…and get in who, to do what exactly with the players he’s got and the budget?…Oh yeah, silence!
You have no idea . Ive read your articles , every week just insane rubbish . Your the delusional fool who has little or no understanding of football or LFC .
And you dont have a clue about my life , the only dissatisfaction i have is the way my football club , which i spend huge amounts of cash supporting , is being run and managed .
You on the other hand are an armchair fan , and way more of keyboard warrior than me , always trying to preach your opinions and putting down others for theirs .
And what kind of fan are u anyway , thats wants 3 more years of the mediocrity we have suffered this season , u are not a real fan
“As long as they try their hardest” ? are u for real ? If my 14year old sons manager said that i would want him sacked .
pitiful attitude from a Liverpool fan . its no wonder Anfield crowd is not what it used to b . Ever hear of a winning mentality ?
Well said gaz n dave
Boo hoo boo hoo….time for bed little kiddies and read your bedtime stories about the glory day…a generation ago. In the real world Liverpool are going to take a few years to get back to the top and sacking the manager every year is NOT the way to the top. Anyway little children you keep living in your fantasy FIFA or FOOTBALL MANAGER world…sweet dreams. @Dave I bet your the type who shouts at your sons team from the side lines and argues with the ref…bet he so proud of you, @GAZ wtf you on about my other articles, I hardly come to this site…add paranoia to delusional you *!
and back to my 1st question….what exactly are you doing about it???f all like I thought apart from moaning like a byatch on here about it. Are you campaigning at Anfield, setting up a blog, coming up with constructive alternatives….no!…your obviously getting bullied at work or something and trying to relieve your frustration here…hahahahahahahaahah….babies!
Another mindless fool making up rubbish on the net
What a childish silly response . I think you need to grow up . Some people don’t like losing but you seem fine with it . Get over it